The Best Toothbrush

In today’s world, we can often get overwhelmed by choices. Even when we have the best of intentions and try to research the best products, it often feels like there are just too many to choose from. Not surprisingly, the abundance of choices can even impact our toothbrush choice! It’s no longer just choosing whether you want a red one or a blue one, soft bristles or medium bristles. No, these days, you get to pick the size, the shape of the toothbrush, the amount of padding on the handle, the curvature of the bristles… the choices are endless. And that’s just for the manual toothbrushes. Move down the aisle and you can choose from battery-operated to self-charging, spin brushes, those with timers and even some that have real-time feedback! It’s kind of insane just how many types of toothbrushes there are.

Given the plethora of choices, is there really a “best toothbrush” out there?

In general, the best toothbrush is going to be the one that you are going to use! It’s no good having the latest app-syncing, data giving, self-brushing gadget if it’s never going to leave your bathroom drawer. A regular, free toothbrush that you got from your last dental cleaning will be more useful if it’s the one you are more likely to actually use each day- twice a day.

So, while you may not need the latest, most advanced toothbrush, there are a few recommendations that Anderson Pediatric Dentistry recommends when choosing your next toothbrush.

1)     Stick to soft bristles. Soft-bristled toothbrushes are the best for removing plaque and debris from both your teeth and the gumlines. They are also less damaging to your gums.

 

2)     Pick the best fit. Whether you like a square brush or triangle shape, a padded handle, or a plastic stick, the choice is yours. The main concern is to pick a size that allows you to reach all the areas of each tooth in your mouth. Smaller is often better, as it will allow you to get in tighter spaces. This is especially true for children, who require a smaller toothbrush head to be able to reach all the teeth in their mouth effectively.

 

3)     Seek Approval. Look for toothbrushes that have earned the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval to ensure that they have undergone rigorous quality control tests for effectiveness and safety.

 

4)     It’s Your Choice. When it comes to manual or electric, it’s kind of like driving a car. Some prefer a stick shift and some can only drive an automatic. In the end, both cars can get you to your destination. And both types of toothbrushes can do a great job.

 

For some, an electronic toothbrush may be more effective and actually clean teeth better, particularly for those with limited manual dexterity or people that tend to brush too aggressively and damage their gums. Sometimes, the electronic toothbrushes can add a bit of excitement for children, encouraging them to brush more frequently and for longer.  But, if you like your manual toothbrush, as long as you brush well twice a day, for two minutes, reaching every surface of each tooth, you can get your teeth just as clean as the electronic brushes.

 

5)     Keep it fresh. Regardless of the type, you need a fresh toothbrush about every three months, or before if your toothbrush is frayed or showing signs of wear.

 

When it comes down to the choosing which toothbrush is right for you, there really isn’t a right or wrong. Choose the sparkly purple one with the triangle head or get the white and blue one with a square head. Or go all out and get the latest, techiest toothbrush out there. Just make sure that you use it to brush those teeth twice a day, for two minutes each time, and you will have Something to Smile About!

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Anderson Pediatric Dentistry

198 Mutual Drive Anderson , SC 29621

Hours of Operation

Phone Number (864) 760 - 1440

Monday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Friday:

Hospital Cases

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed